Fortnite’s Chapter 5 Update reintroduces a polarizing weapon to the game

In a recent Fortnite update, the game has seen the return of the Lock On Pistol, a weapon that has stirred controversy among players. This unique firearm has sparked debates about its effectiveness, standing out in Fortnite’s diverse array of weaponry over the past seven years. Despite initial debates surrounding its inclusion, the Lock On Pistol has made a comeback after spending seven months in the vault.

In the January 9th update of Fortnite, the Lock On Pistol has been unvaulted and is now obtainable from chests, floor loot, and various other loot sources. This pistol possesses the unique ability to automatically lock onto any enemy within a 50-meter radius. After a brief charging period, it unleashes up to four shots that accurately hit the target without requiring precise aiming. With 20 damage to the body and 25 to the head, multiple salvos are often needed to eliminate an enemy with shields.

While opponents typically counter the Lock On Pistol by building during its charging phase, it proves particularly effective against enemies in flight who cannot build. The weapon also holds significant power in Fortnite’s Zero Build mode. Notably, the latest update did not bring any balance adjustments to the Lock On Pistol; the only other addition was the introduction of Week 6 challenges.

The Lock On Pistol belongs to the rare tier of weapon rarity in Fortnite, making it readily accessible to players. When initially revealed in the Summer of 2023, there was speculation among users that it might be classified in higher rarity tiers, such as epic, legendary, or mythic, given its distinctive features. However, the pistol exhibits surprising balance when both participants in a gunfight are familiar with its capabilities, and some players assert its limited effectiveness in high-skill engagements. The official description touts its utility in “exceptionally useful during high-speed pursuits,” suggesting that Epic Games may have designed the weapon with such scenarios in mind.

Aside from the Lock On Pistol, Epic Games has recently introduced the Enforcer AR and Flowberry Fizz to Fortnite, bringing enhancements to the assault rifle and healing consumable categories, respectively. While some users find the Enforcer AR relatively weak compared to other assault rifles like the Striker, Flowberry Fizz is favored by many players for its combined healing and mobility effects.